Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis or tinea, is a fungal infection that causes ring-like skin rashes; it is a disorder that creates discomfort and is quite common in children. Learn how to treat her to reduce the risk of infection.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: with drugs
Step 1. Use over-the-counter creams or powders
Most moderate cases of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter products, such as clotrimazole, tolnaftate, miconazole and terbinafine; you can buy them at the pharmacy or you can take the baby to the pediatrician to ask for advice.
- You can apply the cream two or three times a day for about one to two weeks.
- If you notice that the rash is spreading or not getting better, take your baby to the doctor.
Step 2. Give him an oral antifungal
If the ringworm does not reduce after using home remedies or over-the-counter medicines, the pediatrician can prescribe an antifungal medication, which is stronger and should eradicate the fungus. The active ingredient in tablets or liquid form spreads throughout the body and is supposed to kill the pathogen from within.
- It may be necessary to administer the drug for a few weeks.
- Medicines for oral use are suitable for those who have ringworm of the scalp or nails; the treatment can take anywhere from six weeks to several months.
Step 3. Use a special shampoo
If dermatophytosis has hit the scalp, which is common in younger children, a special type of shampoo may be needed to treat it and prevent it from spreading.
Any family member who has become infected should use this shampoo and inspect each other for signs of ringworm
Step 4. Take the baby to the pediatrician
Most fungal infections can be treated with home remedies; However, if it does not improve within a week of herbal treatments or with the use of over-the-counter drugs, continues to spread or lasts more than a month, you should call your doctor for advice. ringworm is a nuisance, not dangerous but contagious.
- Contact your doctor right away if you see pus leaking from tinea spots.
- You should also call it if it has affected the scalp or there are more than three areas of infection.
- Remember that this is a very contagious disease, so make sure your child avoids close contact with other children until treatment begins. Change the sheets every day and have him use a personal towel until the rashes go away.
- Can go back to school or kindergarten once treatment has begun; cover the areas with the rashes to reduce the chances of spreading the infection.
Method 2 of 3: with Home Remedies
Step 1. Try garlic
This plant has antifungal properties due to two of its main components: ajoene and allicin. At least one study was performed in which garlic was found to be more effective than terbinafine in treating ringworm.
- Crush two or three wedges, or even more if the infection is very extensive, and mix the mixture with a carrier oil, such as castor or almond oil; then apply the mixture directly to the infected skin and leave it in place for 10 to 15 minutes. When finished, wash with warm water and reapply it two or three times a day; it may release a rather strong odor. If any irritation occurs, try changing the carrier oil; even if the situation does not improve, you may need to use lower doses of garlic or follow another method.
- Alternatively, use garlic oil; add four or five drops to four tablespoons of carrier oil and apply the mixture directly to the rashes. Leave on for 10 or 15 minutes and then rinse with hot water; you can spread it two or three times a day.
Step 2. Use tea tree oil
The leaves of the Australian tea tree produce an oil which, in addition to other benefits, also acts as an antifungal by killing the fungi responsible for ringworm. Extreme caution should be exercised with children under the age of five to prevent them from ingesting it by placing their mouth near the oil-treated rashes.
- Dilute it with castor or almond oil in a 1: 1 ratio; for example, if you used one teaspoon of tea tree oil, dilute it with another teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Apply the mixture directly on the outlets and leave it in place for 10 or 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water and repeat the treatment two or three times a day; it may release a strong but not unpleasant odor.
- If any form of irritation occurs, reduce the dose of tea tree oil to a ratio of 1: 2 to the carrier oil. Also try to change the latter; if you don't notice any improvement, you need to follow another method.
Step 3. Evaluate apple cider vinegar
It is used for a variety of health problems; part of its effectiveness is due to acid, as the fungus responsible for ringworm does not thrive in environments with a low pH.
- Test it on a small area of skin first, to make sure there is no sensitivity; if there is no adverse reaction, you can use it to treat the infection.
- Dip a cloth or towel in the vinegar and apply it directly to the infected areas for 30 minutes; then rinse with hot water and repeat twice a day. At first contact, you may feel a stinging sensation.
Step 4. Use lavender oil
It has antifungal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat fungal infections and dermatological disorders. It is a particularly suitable remedy for children; most of them love the fragrance of lavender, which also has the added benefit of having a calming effect.
- Mix a drop or two in a tablespoon of castor or jojoba oil; apply the mixture to the breakouts and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, rinse with warm water; you can repeat this remedy two or three times a day.
- If any irritation develops, reduce the amount of lavender oil; use only one drop for every tablespoon of carrier oil, or one or two drops for every two or three tablespoons of castor or jojoba oil.
- A recent study found that mixing tea tree oil with lavender oil is very effective for treating ringworm. Add two drops of lavender oil to two tablespoons of tea tree oil; dilute the mixture by adding two tablespoons of castor, almond or jojoba oil. Then apply the solution for 20-30 minutes and at the end rinse with hot water; you can repeat the treatment two or three times a day.
Step 5. Use coconut oil
It is known for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties due to the content of medium-chain fatty acids, which are capable of killing many types of fungi.
- Buy non-hydrogenated raw coconut oil.
- Apply it directly on the fungal lesions or pour it on a cotton ball before rubbing it on the skin; massage it into the affected area and leave it on overnight.
- Repeat this procedure every day.
Method 3 of 3: Learn About Ringworm
Step 1. Read up on this infection
It is a mycosis of the skin that generates circular lesions; the affected skin areas show red annular spots with a lighter area in the center. Ringworm can affect different parts of the body.
- When the fungus infects the head, the scalp becomes scaly with round patches of alopecia.
- The medical term for this condition is "tinea corporis" or dermatophytosis. When it develops on the head, it is called "tinea capitis", while it takes the name of "inguinal epidermophyte" or "tinea cruris" when it infects the groin; athlete's foot is referred to as "tinea pedis".
- The pathogen responsible for the infection belongs to the dermatophyte family; in Italy there is a prevalence of the genus Microsporum, while in the United States Trichophyton is more common.
Step 2. Learn about risk factors
It is a very common mycosis among children, especially those under the age of 15; however, it can affect anyone and is very contagious.
- Humid and hot environments, close contact with infected people, contact sports and constricting clothing represent the ideal conditions for the spread of the fungus.
- Ringworm can also affect dogs and cats, which in turn can infect humans.
Step 3. Recognize the symptoms
This infection has a characteristic appearance and is manifested by red circular spots with a pale colored area in the center; the skin is typically itchy and swollen.
- The reddened outer ring may also be slightly raised and the epidermis is usually scaly.
- Since it causes a lot of itching, the patient may be prone to scratching excessively, resulting in scars.
